We hope everyone had an inspiring time at the 2025 AMEA Professional Development Conference! It provided many opportunities to learn and connect with others in the profession, and this is especially true for Collegiates. Whether we were attending a session or talking to a mentor in the halls, we were constantly learning. In particular, this conference was truly special for making connections, thanks to a concerted effort from the AMEA membership to help us feel welcome! Below are some impactful moments that some of our Collegiates experienced at the conference.
During the conference, we held our annual luncheon. At the luncheon, our division heard about the Country Music Association grant program from AMEA President Dr. Phil Wilson, Past-President Dr. Rob Lyda, and AMEA Hall-of-Famer Dr. Diane Orlofsky. We had special guests join us from Miles College, received free leadership books from Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, and voted on our 2025 executive board. We were overjoyed to have several chapters join us, including Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Auburn University, Faulkner University, Jacksonville State University, Samford University, Talladega College, Troy University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama-Birmingham, University of Mobile (virtual), and University of North Alabama.
Here is your 2025 Collegiate Executive Board:
President: JP Aufdemorte
JP Aufdemorte is a Junior Music Education Major at The University of Alabama (UA). At UA, he is a member of the Tuba and Euphonium Studio and is active in the School of Music community. He serves as the Vice President of Service for the Nu Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and as a baritone section leader of the Million Dollar Band. He is excited to serve the collegiate division by providing them extra opportunities for learning and collaboration with their peers from across the state.
Vice-President/President-Elect: Sarah Beth Black
Hello! My name is Sarah Beth Black, and I will be serving as the next Vice President/President-Elect for the ALcNAfME executive board. I am a sophomore music education major at the University of Alabama, and I play tuba in the UA Tuba and Euphonium studio. Throughout my time as a music student, I’ve grown to understand and appreciate the music educators in my life even more than I did before college. Because of the impact these people had on my life, I knew I had to continue with music and work to help impact others’ lives. By serving as Vice President, I believe I can play a pivotal role in helping collegiate educators connect and help each other throughout their degree. We have the opportunity to empower. We, as music educators, can make a meaningful impact on the future of music education.
Secretary: Julia Wright
Hello, Alabama! My name is Julia Wright, and I’m thrilled to serve as the Secretary for cNAfME of Alabama this year. I’m currently a junior at Auburn University, where I’m studying Music Education with a minor in Graphic and Industrial Design processes. I’m actively involved on campus, participating in several ensembles, serving as the Corresponding Secretary for the Theta Lambda chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, and being a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Additionally, I’m proud to serve as the trumpet section leader for the Auburn University Marching Band. I’m excited to serve on the board by combining my passion for music education with my love for social media and graphic design.
Treasurer: Justin Douglas
Justin M. Douglas is a junior studying Music Composition/Technology at Auburn University and plans to work as a church music director after school. As an educator, Justin wants to foster universal musicality throughout a community and focus on a lifetime appreciation of all arts and culture. I am excited to participate in the collegiate board of C-NAfME in Alabama to build a connection with other schools and students in our shared goals.
As a board, we are already planning monthly statewide virtual meetings and communications, setting up an advisory council, and working on a vision for the Collegiate Summit in the fall. We look forward to serving you! Please follow us on Instagram: @cnafme_al.